Three face charges in animal case

MINDEN – Three people face 52 counts of animal cruelty after authorities removed 51 dogs from a barn earlier this month, state police said.

Diane and Paul Marriott of Center Street, Fort Plain, and Joseph Marriott of Park Street, Gloversville, were charged after a complaint was filed, state police in Latham said.

Police said the three previously lived at 7145 Route 5S, where authorities seized dogs from the barn. At the time of the Jan. 2 seizure, police said there was no heat in the barn and many of the dogs suffered from illnesses. One dog died, police said previously.

State police spokesman Mark Cepiel today said the dogs were taken to several shelters throughout five counties.

He said he didn’t know about the current conditions of the dogs.

“I don’t think any of them had to be put down,” he said.

Joseph Marriott also was charged with second-degree criminal possession of marijuana for possessing more than 16 ounces of marijuana, second-degree aggravated harassment for posting a threat to a local shelter employee, and unlawful possession of marijuana, police said.

All three suspects were arraigned in Minden Town Court and released on bail to reappear in court Feb. 25, police said.